Charlotte is now the 17th largest US city and growing faster than Austin

The Story

Charlotte is now the 17th largest city in the US and the 2nd fastest growing big city according to census analysis by the Charlotte Observer (big city = population over 500,000).

The Facts

– Charlotte has grown 40% since 2000 (Austin TX grew 27%).

– The only big city (population >500,000) that has grown faster than Charlotte is Fort Worth, TX.

– Charlotte’s city population is 757,300.

– Raleigh (population: 414,500) has grown 50% from 2000.

– Other high growth NC cities: Durham grew 26% to 235,00, Winston-Salem grew 26% to 232,200 & Greensboro grew 27% to 273,200.

Quotes

“There are a lot of things that are really important to the state and the state economy… When you look at states that don’t have a Charlotte or a Raleigh, they’re in big trouble.” John Chesser, a senior analyst with UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute

“Charlotte is a great place for families….singles not so much…Social scene is lacking compared to other cities as well especially for African-Americans” CharlotteObserver.com comment

C5’s Take

Something cool about this boom that often doesn’t get talked about is that we have a “fresh” start. Compared to other southern cities, Charlotte’s not a place that cares about whose grandaddy knew your grandaddy. Also, we’ve got budding creative communities (think Southend and NoDa) and the banks/big biz continue to bring smart people with smart spouses.

It’s important that we understand why we’ve grown and continue to invest in (1) attracting/retaining talent and (2) infrastructure. We love Charlotte’s investment in things like Romare Bearden Park and the recruitment of companies like Electrolux.

Or, maybe everyone is just flocking to live close to the Nascar Hall of Fame.

Photo: John D. Simmons / Charlotte Observer

This story was originally published December 8, 2014 at 5:50 AM with the headline "Charlotte is now the 17th largest US city and growing faster than Austin."